Here is information about the Ackie Monitor, one of the most remarkable and exceptional reptiles that have garnered a lot of attention among the reptiles lovers. Due to their different appearance and highly developed characters they have become quite popular among people who keep pets. Similar to any pet one should provide the necessary care and make sure the pet is happy.
Housing for Ackie Monitors is quite essential and this is explained by the size of cages, which can influence drastically the quality of life of these pets. It is not just providing a shelter for these animals but it is providing them with an environment, which they can afford and enjoy a natural setting of their behavior. That’s where “The Definitive Guide to Ackie Monitor Enclosure Size: When it comes to getting the right understanding of a matter, then “Getting It Right” rears its head.
In this comprehensive article, you will find what steps to take, and what things to avoid while choosing the proper cage for an Ackie Monitor. It is our vision to provide you with the information as well as the means to provide the kind of atmosphere that would improve the quality of life of your companion animal. As a first-time pet owner, or an experienced reptile keeper who seeks to optimize your Ackie Monitor’s living environment and care, this is a critical read.
Understanding Ackie Monitors
For proper care of the Ackie Monitors it is necessary to consider and study them in detail.
Ackie Monitors are scientifically named as Varanus acanthurus and they are part of the monitor lizard group. They are classified into two subspecies: These are; the spiny-tailed acacia which is scientifically known as Varanus acanthurus acanthurus and the ridge-tailed acacia which is known scientifically as Varanus acanthurus brachyurus. Both sub species are similar in many ways for example they have a round body, spiny tail scales; however the two are slightly different in size and color.
These lizards are native to North Queensland and other dry habitats of Australia, and they appeared to be acclimatized with the desert like environment. They are mostly ground dwelling and they get burrows commonly due to high temperatures and other animals that pose threat to their lives. These monitors are also excellent predator if I was given the opportunity to go back to Africa to see them they would hunt insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally plants. Since they are diurnal they are active during the day and the common behaviors include; basking, foraging and burrow digging.
Ackie Monitors’ life span ranges from 15-20 years or more depending on their care and they mainly grow very fast at this age. This growth means that the need for their enclosure to also change in order to suit their requirements in terms of space as well as heating.
Selecting the Right Enclosure
It is crucial that the right enclosure is used for these Ackie Monitors Looking for the appropriate enclosure In choosing the right enclosure for your Ackie Monitor you need to consider the following: An assortment of products like glass, wooden and PVC are often used in construction and each suffers from several disadvantages. Some of the factors which need consideration in choosing the material include insulation, durability and clean ability.
There are several ways through which your active monitor may escape and therefore it is crucial to build an escape proof enclosure. Lighting is also important; correct lighting has to be provided, and it is also necessary to arrange heating facilities so that the temperatures can vary promoting thermal convection. There is need for UVB lighting for the metabolism of calcium and other body health.
They should have an environment similar to their own and the substrate should allow digging. Provisions of hides, basking area and climbing facilities is beneficial to them and at the same time is a form of enrichment. Thus, if you pay much attention to these elements, you will provide the best conditions for your Ackie Monitor.
Dietary Requirements
In the Ackie Monitor care feeding is of great importance. These lizards have mainly carnivorous diet but the major part of their diet is composed of insects and other small invertebrates. They should feed their geckos mainly with crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches and, locusts although the type of food should vary from time to time.
Ackie Monitor that is juvenile needs to be fed on a daily basis or every other day because their growth is fast while the adult ones should be fed 2-3 time a week. Better still, portions should be measured according to the size of the lizard normally where food items are insects, these must be of the size of a lizard head.
Diet should be varied; in the wild Ackie Monitors eat different insects as this are part of their original diet. Sometimes it is possible to add some plant matter into a diet in small portions, for example, fresh greens and fruits. Supplementation with calcium powder with added vitamin D3 is also required but it should be carefully done so as to avoid over supplementation.
Handling and Enrichment
Ah, there are two vital aspects about Ackie Monitors; Handling and enrichment. Treat them accordingly or as you like them to be in their natural state. Do not pet often or be forceful so as not to stress the animal and minimize direct interaction to cases such as health check. While taking them, should be slow and delicate and do not try to make any quick movements so that they can get used to your presence.
Health and Common Issues
Some of the measures when it comes to the health of Ackie Monitor includes some observation of their environment and behavior. Some of these diseases include respiratory tract infective diseases, skin diseases, parasitic related diseases and others. Some of the symptoms to look out include; coughing, difficulty in breathing, runny nose, listlessness, loss of appetite, change in color, and excessive sleeping. Annual or sometimes more frequent examination should be conducted to the pets in order to notice problems in the early stage.
Conclusion
Thus, the size of the terrarium and its design are the key factors for the Ackie Monitor’s comfortable living. A large and well planned living space is not a luxury but a necessity in their case as far as their well-being is concerned.
This therefore requires one hiring an expert to take care of the pets to understand more about their species, natural behavior and needs. The care of the birds is not limited to the size of the enclosure but it is very vital. As you bring this guide to a close, it is important to note that, Ackie Monitor care consists of feeding the pet adequately, keeping its mind engaged, and taking it for checkups often. Thus, dedicating yourself to their care, you create the best conditions for these wonderful reptiles and provide them with the care, supplying their needs to the extent that characterizes their lives in captivity and in wild.
